The Department of Tourism (DoT) has closed the landmark Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park, Manila to the public until June this year for its repair work that will be undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo, who is in charge of Luzon operations, said DoT's attached agency, National Parks Development Committee, closed down the building to give way to its major facelift that could start by next month.

"Our structural engineers have to make their reevaluation of the structure in five to six weeks. By that time, they will have their recommendations and design plan that the DPWH has to do on its reconstruction,” Momo said.

He added they also have to determine the depth of the cracks and subject the structure to further inspection prior to its retrofitting.

Asked how much DPWH will spend on the repair works, Momo said the estimated cost of the repair to reach P50 million, which they will get from the agency's regular budget.

The closure came after the National Parks Development Committee, which is tasked to oversee the country's national parks, heed to the request of DPWH to suspend temporarily the use of Quirino Grandstand following its findings that it's “unsafe”.

DPWH Assistant Secretary Raul Asis, head of the agency's Building Inspection Team, said there were cracks on the roof and beams of the building that can make it collapse when a strong earthquake occurred.

They inspected the structure last month together with public school buildings and bridges located in Metro Manila.